Vucic: Our ties with US a priority in Kosovo-Metohija crisis

WASHINGTON/BELGRADE - Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic says fostering bilateral ties with the US is Serbia's priority in the Kosovo-Metohija crisis.

In an interview for the Pavlovic Today internet portal, Vucic said it was important for Serbia to "engage in discussions with America" to have better relations with the US.

"Serbia has recently purchased a substantial amount of military equipment - 118 Humvees (HMMWV) - from the US after facing obstacles for several years," the portal said.

"It is crucial that we continue to develop our relationship with America in a positive direction. This requires us to be responsible regarding Kosovo and Metohija, but it also necessitates that the United States listens more frequently and is willing to hear the Serbian stance and perspective," Vucic said.

"I recently had a phone conversation with (US State Secretary Antony) Blinken. I have spoken with many officials in the American establishment who oversee Kosovo-Metohija and are responsible for the stability of the region, including Jon Finer, (Derek) Chollet, and (Gabriel) Escobar," Vucic said.

"However, we are in a difficult position because no matter how constructive and responsible we are, we always find ourselves as the ones who are not their favorite, as we do not agree with the independence of Kosovo."

"No matter how much some political actors in Kosovo disrespect America and act against America’s vital interests, unfortunately, it sometimes seems to us that they will always have even not so vocal support from the United States," Vucic said.